If you are immunosuppressed or may become immunosuppressed.

Why is this important for you?

People who are immunosuppressed, are more likely to become seriously ill if they catch flu and are nearly 50 times more likely to die from complications of having flu than healthy people.

If you are pregnant or become pregnant during the flu season, 1st September 2024 to 31st March 2025.

Why is this important in pregnancy?

If you catch flu whilst you are pregnant it can put your baby at risk of being born early, being a lower weight at birth, being a smaller size and of stillbirth. Having the vaccine may lower these risks if you get flu.

Having the flu vaccine can also protect your baby in the first few months of life when they are at their most helpless. If you catch flu whilst you are pregnant, it can be more serious, you are at a higher risk of developing problems such as bronchitis and pneumonia. These complications can lead to an increased risk of admission to intensive care for both your baby and you.

If you have kidney disease.

Why is this important for you?

People who have kidney disease are more likely to become seriously ill from flu if they catch it and are over 18 times more likely to die from complications of having flu than healthy people.

If you have liver disease

Why is this important for you?

People who have liver disease are more likely to become seriously ill from flu if they catch it and are nearly 50 times more likely to die from complications of having flu than healthy people.

Flu can make liver disease worse if you are waiting for a liver transplant and can increase the chance of rejection for people who have had a liver transplant.

Having liver disease can limit the types of drugs you can have to treat flu and any complications. It may mean spending time in hospital and taking a long time to recover from flu and the effects of the treatment

If you have neurological disease.

Why is this important for you?

People who have neurological conditions are more likely to become seriously ill if they catch flu. The risk depends on the condition you have but some affected are 40 times more likely to die from complications of having flu than healthy people.

Some neurological conditions make breathing harder and if you catch flu, you are more likely to develop pneumonia and may need to spend time in hospital.

If you have Multiple Sclerosis flu could make your symptoms worse and may trigger a relapse.

People who have communication difficulty may be unable to tell their carer that they feel unwell, which may lead to a delay in them receiving treatment.

Q. Will the vaccine give me flu?

A. No. The injectable vaccine contains an inactive form of the virus which cannot cause flu. Some people may have a sore arm and mild aches and pains which should only last 48 hours.

Q. Is the vaccine safe?

A. Yes. The vaccine is known to be very safe and can be given to babies and very elderly people with very few problems.

Q. Do I need a Flu vaccine every year?

A. Yes. The flu virus can change every year. Flu vaccines are updated each winter to give protection against the strains of flu that are most likely to be going around. This is why it is strongly recommended that you get vaccinated every year.

Q. I think I have already had flu. Do I still need a vaccination?

A. Yes. There is more than one type of flu virus, the vaccine will help to protect you against other flu viruses.

Q. Can flu be treated with antibiotics?

A. No. Flu is a virus and the only way to be really protected is with a flu vaccine

Q. Where can I get more information about the flu vaccine in pregnancy?

A. Through your GP, midwife or nurse vaccinator at the trust you are booked to have your baby. There is also lots of information you can access on the NHS website The flu jab in pregnancy - NHS (www.nhs.uk

How can I protect myself?

The best way to protect yourself from flu is to have your FREE Flu vaccine every year.

Where can I get my Flu vaccine?

Everybody who is eligible for a Free Flu vaccine can get one at their GP Practice – Book your appointment as soon as possible. 

Carers

If you receive a carer’s allowance or are the primary carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare would be affected if you were ill, you can also receive a Free flu vaccine.

What is Flu?

Flu is not just a bad cold! It is a very infectious disease with symptoms that come on very quickly. Symptoms include; fever, chills, headache, aches and pains and extreme tiredness, making you feel exhausted and too unwell to carry on as normal.

The groups to be offered a COVID-19 vaccine:

If your child is still needing to be vaccinated against Covid-19 the following pharmacies still have availability:

6 month – 4 year olds:

•  Stubley Medical Centre

5-17 Year olds:

• Stubley Medical Centre
• Tideswell Pharmacy
• Jaysons Pharmacy
• Vision Pharmacy 
• Good Life Pharmacy
• Brimington Pharmacy
• Medicine Stop Pharmacy
• Saviour Pharmacy (formally John Dents)
• Saviour Pharmacy